Student Union

Conflict of Interest Policy

Students conducting business on behalf student groups registered with the Student Union (hereinafter “Student Groups”) have a responsibility to do so in a manner that is objective and ethical. The goal of all such dealings must be to benefit the Student Group and University students in general. The following policies apply:

1. Student Group members will conduct Student Group business ethically and objectively, in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and University policies, including the University Judicial Code.


2. The purchase of goods or services from a business in which a member student or his/her family or friend has a financial interest, or may directly benefit from such purchase, is a potential conflict of interest. Such situations must be disclosed to the Student Union Vice President of Finance for review prior to the dispersement of funds for that item or service.


3. In conducting Student Group business, students may encounter offers of gifts from suppliers. The following guidelines apply:
   • Offers of gifts should generally be refused.
   • Gifts of cash or monetary gifts of any kind or amount may never be accepted by students.
   • While there may be occasion to accept gifts of nominal value (for example company promotional trinkets, e.g., pens or note pads), these or other gifts should never be accepted in return for a business favor. Such gifts may not directly or indirectly influence the students' business judgment or give the appearance of impropriety.
   • The cumulative value of gifts received from all suppliers in total should not exceed $25 in any 12-month period.
   • Students should review with the Student Union Vice President of Finance all offers of gifts prior to acceptance.


4. Any promotional benefits that result from a business transaction must be provided to the Student Group (or any other Student Group registered with the Student Union) and not to an individual student.


5. Members of Student Groups may not accept any sum from any supplier attempting to "reward" student for the decision to do business with the supplier.
6. Student Group members must provide equal opportunity to firms wishing to pursue business relationships with the University.


7. Any breaches of this policy may result in referral of the student(s) to the University Judicial Administrator and may also result in legal action, freezing of the Student Group account and the termination of the business relationship with the supplier.